Coral Trout fishing
The Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus) also has a couple of other common names such Leopard Coral Grouper or Leopard Coral Trout. It is a close relation to fish from the grouper and coral cod families.
Coral trout are a unique fish species in the fact that all species are born females before changing sex after a period of growth and after at least one cycle of spawning.
It has been found that they can change sex any time between a length of 23 and 62cm and the general average has been noted at around 40cm.
They spend most of their life living within 500m of coral reefs, shipwrecks or any other form of submerged structure. They are a common and favourite fish species that are found in the Great Barrier Reef of the coast of Queensland, Australia. They have an orange body that generally has many white/blue spots covering their body.
Top Coral Trout Fishing destinations
You can find coral trout living in various locations across the Western Pacific Ocean. Destinations such as Tonga, Fiji, Japan, French Polynesia, Australia. As the name suggests, they enjoy living in and around areas of coral reefs and have been found as far as 100m in water depth.
How to fish for Coral Trout
To target coral trout you will need to be fishing in areas of reef, submerged structures such as shipwrecks or wharves and other manmade and natural objects.
Fishing techniques used can include throwing poppers or diving minnows, dropping and retrieving metal jig heads while sitting above an uneven coral reef bed or even by using live or dead bait such as pilchards or banana fish.
Ensure you are ready for a fight when targeting coral trout as they are an aggressive and tough fish species to land.
Good to eat Coral Trout
Coral trout are certainly one of the nicest fish species you can find in the ocean. They are a highly sought after reef species for anyone looking to either sell commercially or return home with a nice dinner meal.
They are the preferred fish species to keep for many fishermen in Australian states of Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Regulations for catching Coral Trout
As usual, regulations can and will vary from location to location and even from state to state in Australia. A good guide is to ensure your only keeping fish over 38cm (14in) and a bag limit of 7.
If you're not fishing with a charter though ensure you know the exact size and bag limits before going fishing.
Other Fish Species similar to Coral Trout
-
![]()
Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is often referred to as one of the most iconic and exciting fish to catch in all of Australia. They live in the northern regions of Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. The maximum weight is about 60 kg (130 lb).
MORE INFO >Barramundi
-
![]()
Blackspotted croaker also known in Australia as black jewfish (Protonibea diacanthus) grow to lengths of 150 centimetres and weigh up to 45 kilograms. Their colour ranges from dark bronze to a salmon-brown on the upper section. Its sides are silver and have a yellowish underside.
MORE INFO >Blackspotted croaker
-
![]()
Distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, the Giant Trevally - also known as GT - (Caranx ignobilis) is the most wanted species for popping lovers. They can be 1,70 cm long and reach up to 80 kg (175 lb)!
MORE INFO >Giant Trevally
-
![]()
Nannygai is kind of a snapper. Various fish in Australia are called Nannygai.
MORE INFO >Nannygai
-
![]()
The sooty grunter (Hephaestus fuliginosus) is a fresh water fish from northern Australia. The species inhabits the rivers of Queensland and the Norhtern Territory where they feed on plants, roots, crustacians and small fish. They can grow up to 54 centimetres (21 in) long and weigh over 6 kg (14 lb).
MORE INFO >Sooty Grunter
-
![]()
The yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) is a type of amberjack found in the Southern Hemisphere. They can grow up to 180 cm (70 in). Yellowtail kingfish can be caught from New Zeeland, Australia to Chile.
MORE INFO >Yellowtail Kingfish
![]()
Best Coral Trout Fishing Charters
Reel Escape
Port Douglas , Port Douglas (Australia)
19,69 ft
4
TOP END SPORTFISHING
Darwin, Australia (Australia)
30,00 ft
6
CY Fishing Charters
Albany Island, Queensland (Australia)
19,69 ft
1
Reel Therapy
Port Douglas (Australia)
20,01 ft
6
Spring Tide Safaris
Darwin, Australia (Australia)
21,00 ft
6
Black Ops Business
Cairns, Queensland (Australia)
36,00 ft
6